About Edgar G. Dawson, MD

Dr. Ed Dawson passed away. His contributions to the field of spine surgery were immense. He published extensively, oversaw the training of many younger spine surgeons, and most importantly provided expert care to numerous spine patients. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Dawson was Clinical Professor of Surgery, Orthopaedics and Attending Surgeon at the University of California. In addition, he was the Consultant in Orthopaedic Surgery for Wadsworth Veteran's Hospital and Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. Dr. Dawson was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Evidenced by 62 peer-reviewed publications, 5contributed chapters to medical books, sole author of 2 books, over 50 published abstracts, and 6 videos and movies, Dr. Dawson's commitment to research and education on issues of the spine is apparent. He taught seminars, workshops, and institutes on the spine to both surgeons and nurses.

Before Dr. Dawson earned a medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine with Magna Cum Laude honors, he served three years of active duty as an OR Technician in the United States Army. Dr. Dawson was recognized as the Outstanding Intern of the Department of Surgery during his internship at the University of California. His residency in orthopaedic surgery was also at the University of California, Medical Center. At the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Dr. Dawson was a fellow in spinal disease and received the first John H. Moe Fellow award. He continued medical education as a fellow with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopedic Association, the Scoliosis Research Society, and the North American Spine Society.

As an active member of many professional organizations, Dr. Dawson served in various committee positions of President, Chairman, and Board of Directors in associations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, and the Scoliosis Research Society. The American Medical Association awarded Dr. Dawson the Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Contribution in Continuing Medical Education. The Surgical Associates of Southeast Asia recognized Dr. Dawson as an Honorary Member. Dr. Dawson had three times been a visiting professor to Taiwan, and most recently, a visiting professor to Japan.

Dr. Dawson was the Associate Editor to Spine and Journal of Spinal Disorders.

Articles Written by Edgar G. Dawson, MD

Arachnoiditis is a debilitating chronic pain condition characterized by severe stinging, burning pain, and neurologic problems. It is caused by an inflammation of the arachnoid lining, one of the 3 membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Spondylolisthesis can be present at birth, develop during childhood or later in life. The disorder may result from the physical stresses to the spine from carrying heavy things, weightlifting, gymnastics, and general wear and tear.

This informative article explains herniated discs in easy-to-understand language. Learn what a herniated disc really is, how we develop them, where we can feel pain from them, and how doctors diagnosis them.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile. This can cause loss of height, humpback (kyphosis), and debilitating pain. It's a "silent thief" because you often don't know you're losing bone density until you fracture a vertebra.

For some patients, spinal cord stimulation is an option to treat chronic low back pain. In this therapy, electrical impulses are used to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a mild tingling sensation.

Some physicians classify osteoporosis as either primary or secondary. Classification may be dependent on whether the osteoporosis is age related or caused by a medical condition or medications that can interfere with normal bone reformation.

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